NIL Licensing

Michigan State University supports student-athletes in marketing their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) while maintaining the integrity of its brand. Student-athletes may participate in NIL opportunities that do not involve university trademarks without prior approval. However, any merchandise, endorsements, or promotions that include MSU logos or athletic marks or imply university affiliation must go through the University Trademarks and Licensing (UTL) and receive additional clearance from MSU Athletics and MSU Sports Properties. 

UTL requires express written approval when using any of its trademarks: name, seals, symbols, insignias, logos, designs, colors, wordmarks, signatures, taglines, uniforms, mascots, depictions of campus buildings and landmarks, or other identifying marks that have become commonly associated with the university.

All merchandise that contains MSU trademarks, service marks, logos, symbols, or other intellectual property needs to be manufactured by a university licensee who has NIL co-branded rights through its license agreement with MSU, its licensing agency, the Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC), and its group licensing agencies. 

Use of Campus Landmarks in Photographs and Films 

Use of campus facilities or grounds for NIL activities requires written authorization from MSU University Communications and Marketing and MSU Athletics. Authorized use may necessitate additional requirements, including certification of insurance, payment of applicable rental fees, etc. Please visit MSU's Filming at MSU website for more information.